Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a bill moving the official observance of Christmas Day to Dec 25 from Jan 7, when Moscow and the Russian Orthodox Church mark the holiday. Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved the measure — which also adjusts the dates of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Read more
World
Pope to Russia: Destroying grain, creating hunger is ‘grave offense to God’
Thursday, August 3rd, 2023Destroying grain is a “grave offense to God,” Pope Francis said, appealing to authorities in Russia as “my brothers” and urging them to resume cooperating with a United Nations initiative to guarantee the safe transport of grain out of Ukraine. “Let us not cease to pray for beleaguered Ukraine, where the war is destroying everything, Read more
Parramatta pilgrim pops the question in Paris, local teacher says, “Yes”!
Thursday, August 3rd, 2023Western Sydney school teachers Isabella Plust and Andrew Valenti have become engaged in Paris during the Diocese of Parramatta pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Andrew proposed to Isabella at the Eiffel Tower in front of 170 pilgrims and passing Parisians under the sparkling lights of the city of love’s most iconic landmark. The long-time best Read more
Man makes Pope’s wheelchair with wood saved from Notre Dame de Paris
Thursday, August 3rd, 2023Because a classic wheelchair is not very chic and not always ergonomic, Paul decided to make one out of wood. It’s also less expensive. He built one in his workshop in the Dordogne with wood from Notre Dame Cathedral. It is intended for the Pope, who agreed to sponsor his project. In his workshop in Read more
Street artist unveils banknote protest over Pope’s event
Monday, July 31st, 2023
Portugal’s renowned street artist, Bordalo II, unveiled a protest against his country’s extravagant spending at a Lisbon venue set to host Pope Francis for a mass next week. With his signature style of creating political art from discarded materials, Bordalo II unfurled a colossal carpet adorned with oversized 500-euro banknotes. The artwork symbolised the excessive Read more
New guidelines on ministry to LGBT people
Monday, July 31st, 2023
Baltimore Archbishop William E Lori has issued new guidance on ministry to LGBT people and their families Lori’s policy is emphasising the need for a compassionate and understanding approach based on Church teaching and revelation. The archbishop released the 14-page document “Like Every Disciple” in the form of a personal letter. The letter seeks to Read more
Church “not a club for the elderly”
Monday, July 31st, 2023
In a video message released ahead of World Youth Day (WYD), Pope Francis emphasised the vital role of young people in ensuring the vibrancy and longevity of the Catholic Church, saying the church is “not a club for the elderly.” Addressing questions from youth worldwide in anticipation of WYD 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, the Pope Read more
New times for church women; there’s no turning back
Monday, July 31st, 2023
Many women at a US Women of the Church conference have expressed pain, frustration and hurt by experiences of sexism in the Church. The Women of the Church conference was for Catholic women leaders. It took place recently. All was not bleak, as highlighted by Women of the Church keynote speaker, theology Professor Kristin Colberg Read more
Young Russians and Ukrainians will join Pope in Lisbon
Monday, July 31st, 2023
The Vatican hopes its help will enable young Russians and Ukrainians to enjoy a friendly encounter at World Youth Day (WYD) this week. Pope Francis will arrive in Lisbon, Portugal on Wednesday for the August 1-6 international WYD gathering. Delegations of young Russians and Ukrainians are expected to be there despite their countries being at Read more
Basic church communities growing again in Brazil
Monday, July 31st, 2023
Small or basic church communities are back in vogue in Brazil, and Pope Francis is stepping in to revive them, cranking up young people’s support and interest. The once powerful Brazilian basic church communities have declined since the 1990s. Last week, 1,000 Brazilian basic church community leaders gathered to discuss Brazil’s most pressing issues, from Read more